Heads propped aloft by the
crutch of dogmatic belief,
savoring each other,
feasting upon flesh-
knife and fork,
delicate spoon.
Each course far from
complete, they gorge through
eroded faces, evidence of
features strewn to rot in the
panic of the fading sun.
Hugging like chums until
folded into one writhing
mass, they remain dexterous
enough to balance an apple:
proof of perilous symmetry.
In the distance, the white
mission weeps under the
weight of the impending torrent.
Even the mercy of the mountains
can't protect from the ruin of man.
Inspired by Salvador Dali (1904-1989)
http: //dali.urvas.lt/forviewing/pic09.jpg
Surrealistic poetry at it's best. This is a tremendously good read John.
I like to write poems to music; and here you are writing them to paintings. You do have a non wasteful style where you use the most succinct words and use them extremely well. Dali has always intimidated me; I am such a literal person that trying to understand what he was saying was like being admitted to my own nightmare or something. Still he fascinates, and this poem certainly does too.
After reading this incredible poem, I felt compelled to visit the picture that inspired it. Though had you not quoted the 'source' of your inspiration, the poem would have stood its on its own feet magnificently. The painting needs time to savor and revisit - as does your poem, a feast in itself. Rather than 'copy catting' Dali's brilliance, you offer your own and more. In particular, I enjoyed your 'delicate spoon' and 'dexterous enough to balance an apple: ' You use words with great skill and without clutter. I look forward to reading more of your work. Love, Allie ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
very interesting and full of surrealistic words! I love Dali too.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
'Even the mercy of the mountains' Rachel Ann Butler